Forums on what? Their authenticity?

I must call attention to the series of forums that the new mockery of a commission will be holding for Native people in Vermont. Not only did they rip off an idea that has been around  with the old commission, but they have managed to exert a media stranglehold on any native people not associated with them.

As I’ve said, this new commission is a fraud and a mockery and should be disbanded immediately. It is a joke and an insult to native people in Vermont. It is run by people with murky ancestries and no concrete proof of who they are. Before S.222, they wanted nothing to do with politics and so forth. It’s no wonder that they’re all jumping up at the chance to be involved when before, they didn’t want any involvement.

I’d also like to use this post to send a message to Alliance members that are threatening people with physical violence: You do not want to cross that line .

If you think you will get the money and power you desire, you will find obstacles in the path to this goal. One of the biggest obstacles? Convincing the BIA and Board of Indian Arts and Crafts that you are authentic.

As you will soon find out, karma is one hell of a nasty bitch, much like Nancy Doucet and her ilk.

Betrayal and Treachery

With the establishment of the current farce of a native commission, hard questions must be asked and they demand hard answers.

The process for determining membership on this new commission was compromised by Giovanna Peebles and the Department of Historical Preservation. Their willingness to allow the Alliance to dominate this commission, raises questions about their true allegiances.

Obviously, they are not on the side of the truth. With the addition of Governor Jim Douglas and his ignorance of native issues, we have a new commission that does NOT represent the actual native community in the state of Vermont.

This commission, I condemn to failure, much like Donald Stevens condemned the old commission.

An eye for an eye, a spear for a spear.

Such treachery is unforgivable. The truth will prevail and when it does, justice will be served.

Let these puppets run their mouths. Let them claim to be Abenakis while continuing to withhold their “proof”. Their new-age scam will not survive once this new commission is disbanded, much like the one before it.

Dissecting Wiseman’s lies

This is a statement from the nedoba.org website on Fred Wiseman’s document entitled “Decolonizing The Abenaki”:

http://www.nedoba.org/topic_wiseman.html

The truth is slowly coming out. Is Wiseman and his minions (the hollow alliance) prepared to face it? We shall see!

Panel on Native American Recognition in Vermont

If you or any of members of Vermont’s native commubity would like to be on the new commission on native american affairs, check out the following link:

http://m.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100724/NEWS02/7240314/-1/WAP

What’s with the Silence?

Does anyone find it odd that when the revised version of S.222 was passed, that April Merrill was not there for the photo-op? I just find it disturbing. In her place were several publicity hounds. This doesn’t make sense.

Knowing how April is always in the spotlight whenever the Vermont media talks about the Abenakis, it’s odd to think that she wouldn’t be there to celebrate (well to be honest, the fools that were there were unknowingly celebrating a LOSS).

How dare they take Queen April’s crown! How dare they make April look like a fool by stealing her spotlight!  How dare they hurt the feelings of her dummy council (oh, won’t they think of poor Raymond “Jim” Young for once?)! April’s gotta be thinking about these fools that have attached themselves to her coattails like leeches. What’s going to happen if they get recognized? Will they turn around with their longknives and pull a nasty maneuver?

April’s been a little too quiet but it’s worth pointing out. This “alliance” was born not out of necessity, but OPPORTUNITY. By aligning themselves with April, the remaining members of this alliance have tried to use her to gain their own objectives.

Just thought I’d point that out. It’s worth thinking about and you can never know too much about those you despise.

A kind letter to my detractors

Dearest sir and/or madam,

Even though you posed with the Governor and high-five’d yourselves behind the scenes, you are still stuck up shit creek without a paddle.  I saw a picture of “Abenakis” marching in the Lake Champlain 400 parade from last year. Just one question: Could you show me how to accessorize? Those costumes weren’t quite accurate but you tried your best, no?

And, who do those people think they are, calling themselves “The Abenaki Nation”? I’ve never heard of them. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go back and read Freddy’s “yes and no” criteria document that he so kindly wrote up for you. How much “wampum” did you give Fred for that?

In all seriousness, once the Legislature convenes again in January, it’ll be business all over again. You see, I never take a break from taking pot-shots at people.

If I may add, good luck with proving your case in front of the new commission. Knowing you folks, you’ll try very, very hard to stock that commission with your cronies. It’s too bad that you can’t enlist Charles Delaney or Don Stevens to do your work.  Perhaps Buffalo Luke would be more appropriate?

It rubs the lotion on its skin. It does this whenever it is told.

There’s an old saying out there that I’m sure you’re familiar with: Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer.

That being said, have a great summer. Enjoy the beautiful weather. We’re all human after all, right? Maybe one day, this so-called unity that you wish for will manifest but you know what? It probably won’t happen until every single one of you are exposed for the frauds you are.

Toodle-dee, toodle-dum

Your humblest nemesis.

Going Medieval On Your Ass

Who says the media should only bow to one viewpoint?

Jello Biafra released a spoken-word album a few years ago called “Become The Media.” I had the privilege of seeing one of his performances at Higher Ground in Winooski, VT back in 2002, before Facebook and Twitter were invented and blogging was new to the internet.

Sometimes, that’s what you have to do. Citizen journalists are on the ground and they see the truth more than some putz behind a desk. The whole blogging movement sprung up as a result of BECOMING THE MEDIA. When the earthquake in Haiti happened, Twitter was there to help people communicate. When protests in Iran happened last year, it was Twitter that helped people communicate. Facebook also serves a purpose here as well as blogging sites, such as Blogger and WordPress.

Even the folks I often disagree with use Facebook and blogging websites to trade barbs back and forth.

You cannot deny the power of social media. Combined with citizen participation in a Democracy, you have a tool that is far more powerful than the most powerful politicians.

But sometimes, it’s fun to just point out how I love poking fun at people. Much like Ronnie James Dio (R.I.P), I enjoy “slaying” people, left and right.

The snakes crawl out for a photo-op

Photo courtesy of VCNAA website

Can you look at this picture and tell me what’s wrong? I see 4 things wrong with it.

1. Nancy Millette, the same Nancy Millette that walked out on a consensus meeting, screaming “This is Bullshit”, is now supporting the passage of this bill? The same Nancy that sent out the following email?

The Myth of the “Level Playing Field”

By

Chief Nancy Millette Doucet (Koasek of the Koas)

Donald Stevens (Former Commissioner, VCNAA

and

Frederick M. Wiseman, Ph.D. Tribal Historian, Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi

Introduction

This is the first of a series of documents that make the case that the Vermont House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs may have demonstrated a measure of legislative bias with regards to the Abenaki Bands designated for Legislative recognition in bill S. 222 as crafted by the Vermont Senate.

It has been recently claimed by Representative Kesha Ram that the recognition process was not fair and equitable; and that the “smaller bands” have been left out. There was a desire on her part to “level the playing field.”

… we (the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs) cannot recognize certain tribes and bands simply because they have had the knowledge that we are taking this bill… This decision will … level the playing field…

“Rep. Kesha Ram speaks out on Abenaki Recognition” (4/16/ 2010);

http://vcnaa.com/native/content/view/1378/55/

This opinion and its solution of not recognizing tribes because of a supposed advantage held by the four bands listed in the S.222 is not supported by the evidence.

Phase I Timeline: 2008-2009

On 1/31/08 Sen. Vince Illuzzi of the Senate Economic Development Committee sent an e-mail to all known Native stakeholders with proposed recognition legislation. Hearings were held from February 29th through March 13th 2008. It is our understanding that all interested persons and organizational stakeholders have been engaged in the recognition debate either individually or through the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs. For example, Richard Bernier, Paul Bunnell, Charlie Delaney-Megeso, Judy Dow, Howard Knight, April Merrill, Nancy Millette (Doucet), Paul Pouliot, Denise Watso, Luke Willard, representatives of the Clan of the Hawk, and other parties representing the interests of Vermont, New England and New York regional bands worked with the Vermont Legislature during the winter/spring 2008 legislative season in an attempt to repair the flaws in the original S.117 recognition bill. With so many stakeholders engaged there was friction in both testimony, such as the fiery, emotive appeal of Paul Pouliot at a legislative hearing, or this communication to Nulhegan Chief Willard:

I know what you think your (sic) getting into. Just make sure you understand the process. The second this amendment will get out of Vinces (sic) committee it will go into about 10 before moving into the House of Reps. Any individual can attend committees and argue to change the wording. Do you think your band will stand a chance? Will you and dawn be able to attend 4 or 5 committee meetings a week? At any rate the amendment will fail as gov douglas (sic) has already expressed his intent to veto.

VCNAA Commissioner Tim de la Breuere

Mar 12, 2008

Senator Illuzzi demanded that the Vermont bands cease such bickering. That demand led to peace, and then alliance, of the four main Vermont-based stakeholder Bands in early March 2008. A perusal of Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs (hereafter referred to as the “VCNAA”) minutes reveals that the Commission had been involved in the recognition issue after this period, especially in seeking authority from the legislature to recognize tribes. Thus, there is archived written documentation that all of these individuals and organizational stakeholders were engaged in the recognition process more-or-less from early 2008 through testimony, letter-writing campaigns, direct contact with representatives and other free-speech and political means. By April 11, 2008, the bill ran out of steam, in part due to intra-band conflict.

Phase II Timeline: 2009-January, 2010

The current round of the recognition process more-or-less began with a Don Stevens contacting Rep. Kate Webb in the summer of 2009 to ask her assistance in revisiting the stalled recognition bill of the previous legislative session. This event led to communication between Senator Hinda Miller and the stakeholders in June, 2009, that led to the September 3rd 2009 informational meeting at Sen. Miller’s abode in Burlington. None of the Alliance chiefs were in attendance to represent their citizenry, but VCNAA Chair Charley Delaney-Megeso represented the VCNAA, its interests and constituents. Professor Frederick Wiseman of Johnson State College was invited to give his perspective on the struggle for recognition of the VT Abenakis since he began working on it with Sen. Julius Canns in the spring of 1993. Don Stevens was invited to add his perspective as former VCNAA Chair. Also in attendance were Sen. Diane Snelling, Rep. Kesha Ram and Rep. Kate Webb. Before this meeting, there was no idea by anyone in the room that there was to be a formal petition process, but it was soon apparent that one would have to be developed by the legislature in concert with interested parties. Professor Wiseman and Mr. Stevens communicated the sense of the meeting to the Alliance chiefs and other stakeholders in e-mails of Sept. 3rd and 4th. Chairman Delaney-Megeso communicated the sense of the meeting to the VCNAA and its stakeholders.

The first Senate hearings on the draft of the S.222 bill were on Jan 26, 2010 in Room 11 of the State House — held by the Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs Committee. Present were representatives of the four allied, bands, the VCNAA, other groups such as Paul Bunnell, Skip Bernier, and his grandson Timothy De La Breuere Randy Smith (Mohawk Nation/Clan of the Hawk), and other interested parties. All present were given an opportunity by Chairman Vince Illuzzii to testify on the record at this seminal hearing that was both open and public. At first, it was hoped that the Alliance bands who wished recognition would be given it directly. However, it was quickly decided that that would not happen, and that proper criteria for recognition needed to be crafted. As far as we know, no group present in the room (or any others) had prepared a formal petition for recognition, because in part, the Senate was to develop the process as an interactive endeavor with scholars and stakeholders.

Stakeholders in the recognition debate who were not present at the January 26 hearing, such as Paul Pouliot, Judy Dow, Denise Watso, Douglas Bucholtz and others chose to work intensely with and on the legislature through personal contact, lobbying activities and letter writing campaigns against the recognizing the four Allied bands. Other stakeholders such as Karen Mica and VCNAA Commissioner Brad Barratt developed internet blogs laced with mildly defamatory and/or misleading allegations regarding the Alliance and detailed discussions as to why the four bands should not be recognized. They also encouraged letter-writing and other types of campaigns against recognition of the four bands. Another blog created by stakeholder Douglas Lloyd Bucholtz, chose to discredit Vermont Abenakis by revealing portions of their genealogies to “prove” that the targeted individuals were “white.” The purpose of these stakeholders was to inflame hatred of the four allied bands in order to affect the outcome of the legislation. Early-on, the four bands were asked by sponsors of the bill in both houses to not engage in such unseemly activities, and bands complied. Politically speaking, the playing field was not at all level. In all aspects but open testimony (and submission of technical information at the request of legislators), the so called playing field leaned decidedly against the political interests of the four bands.

Nevertheless, during January, February and early March, criteria were crafted for Vermont state recognition, and it was then up to any and all interested parties to make their best case to the Senate for inclusion in the bill — or alternatively –make a case as to why others should not be included in the recognition legislation. We do know that the chiefs of the Alliance, working with scholars, Vermont public officials, educational organizations and others, rushed to assemble supporting documents and narrative to meet the final requirements of the amended S.222 bill. It is our understanding that the senate received four petitions to meet the criteria as developed. It is also our understanding that the Senate (and House) was deluged with e-mails in opposition to the recognition of any band that would potentially meet the criteria. It is apparent from a perusal of copies of e-mails sent to legislators, that that the other potential candidate bands chose to use their time, expertise and political capital to oppose recognition rather than craft petitions. The S.222 bill was then unanimously voted out of the Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs Committee on March 16, 2010, then voted 27/0 with one roll-call “not voting” in the Senate on March 18, 2010; in a form that would “make crossover” to allow it to be considered by the House of Representatives.

Phase III Timeline: March 19, April 9, 2010

Upon reaching the House of Representatives on March 19, 2010, the S.222 bill was assigned to the General, Housing and Military Affairs Committee. On March 22, the four band petitions were mailed to the Sponsors, Representatives Branagan, Ram and Webb. The first testimony was taken on Thursday, April 1, 2009.

I thought it went great! The two of you (Wiseman and Stevens) and (Chief) Roger Longtoe did an incredible job outlining all of the work that has gone into getting this bill before us and everything it would mean for the four tribes and unaffiliated artisans in terms of craft authenticity, cultural validation, etc. to have it pass. I had committee members who were concerned about going through what they went through in 2006 say to me afterward that we’re very glad we’re taking this on and can see its significance and improvements.

Rep. Kesha Ram, 4/1/10

The VT Attorney General’s Office and VCNAA members spoke on April 6th so that opposition voices would be heard, then several chiefs of the Alliance testified on April 7th, at which point it seemed that the bill would easily pass the Committee by a wide margin. During this time, the blogosphere and e-mail campaigns ran heavily against the four bands of the Alliance, who were constrained to not respond in kind. However, after an apparently emotive testimony, apparently on April 9, 2010, the clarity and transparency of the legislative process seemed to evaporate. During 4/9/2009 and 4/11/2009 telephone conversations with Professor Fred Wiseman, and Mr. Don Stevens; Representative Kesha Ram told them that if the Vermont Indigenous Alliance responded in kind to the opponents of the S.222 bill, that there would be no direct legislative recognition of the Alliance, and that Rep. Ram would make sure that recognition went to a committee that would decide recognition. There was no asking for the Alliance’s opinion in the debate at any significant point after 4/11/2010; and since then the four allied bands have been shut out of the deliberative process.

Summary/conclusion

It is apparent from the evidence cited above that

1.) Most if not all stakeholders were aware of the recognition process as early as the beginning of 2008.

2.) Most, if not all stakeholders chose one of two paths with regards to Vermont State recognition in

mid-late 2009:

a.) work with the Legislature to craft the S.222 bill and strive to meet the criteria.

b.) attempt to denigrate those who were working with the legislature and derail the

recognition process.

3.) The four bands of the Alliance were asked by both Houses of the VT Legislature to not respond in

kind to the unseemly attacks on their character and the legislation, and so were not able to engage fully in open debate.

4.) On or about April 9th the opponents of the four bands and the S.222 bill were successful in derailing

the recognition process.

It is clear that the evidence in the timelines refutes Rep. Ram’s assertion quoted at the beginning of this paper, that not all bands were aware of the recognition process. It also suggests that her so-called “playing field” was in fact biased in favor of the opponents of the Alliance. The antagonists could do or say anything they wished against the Allied Bands; yet the Alliance unwisely abided by its “gag order” to not engage in public debate with the naysayers. The resulting prejudicial slant of the debate may have been one of several factors that contributed to the current state of the Abenaki Recognition fiasco.

The Strange Story of the April 16th 2010 Meeting,

Sponsored by the

House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs

By

Chief Nancy Millette Doucet (Koasek of the Koas)

Donald Stevens (Former Commissioner, VCNAA

and

Frederick M. Wiseman, Ph.D. Tribal Historian, Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi

Introduction

This is the second of a series of documents that make the case that the Vermont House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs may have demonstrated a measure of legislative bias with regards to the Abenaki Bands designated for Legislative recognition in bill S. 222 as crafted by the Vermont Senate.

Before the meeting

Who Invited the Vermont Indigenous Alliance?

By April 14th, communication had almost ceased between Alliance and the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs. Alliance advocates began searching elsewhere in the house for allies.

I think that the (House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs) committee is getting overwhelmed with the naysayers and are starting to ignore all emails. Would you help be our champion on this and rally the sponsors support on our behalf?

Don Stevens

That day, Professor Fred Wiseman was informed of a meeting planned by the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs, set for two days hence. However, he was not informed by the Committee, or anyone from the VT House, but by Senator Hinda Miller. It turns out that the Chiefs of the Vermont Indigenous Alliance were not invited by any representative from the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs to a planned April 16th meeting at the State House. The information on the time and place of the meeting had to be transmitted to the Chiefs third hand by Prof. Wiseman, as well as second-hand by Mr. Donald Stevens, former Chair of the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs.

The invitation list

It was Professor Wiseman’s understanding that only one person, representing all four constituent bands of the Alliance, would be allowed by the Committee to participate in the upcoming meeting. However, it was his understanding that Ms. Louise Lampman, VCNAA Commissioner Judy Dow, a representative from Brian Chenevert’s group, and Odanak citizen(s) had been invited to represent their individual constituencies. These constituencies had previously participated in letter writing campaigns, lobbying and blogging demonstrably hostile to the four bands of the Alliance. The of the invitation list, which was biased against the Alliance, as well as the second and third-hand invitations, made the Alliance feel discriminated against even before the meeting began, and there was much debate as to whether anyone from the Alliance should even go. Prof. Wiseman received a rather direct e-mail the night before the meeting; indicating that the Alliance should attend or be left out of the deliberative process:

Please relay to them (the Alliance chiefs) that the recognition process will likely make the Commission the gatekeeper for recommendations on recognizing a tribe, so it would behoove them to provide input on its make-up and structure if they have any.

Representative Kesha Ram

4/15/2010

Set up for the meeting: Legislative recognition is off the table

Before anyone was given an opportunity to meet with the Committee, Vermonters were preemptively informed via the Internet that legislative recognition was off the table. In a statement released the morning of the meeting, Rep. Ram stated:

… we (the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs) cannot recognize certain tribes and bands simply because they have had the knowledge that we are taking this bill… I can say with some confidence that it will not change our (the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs) course of action on the question of recognizing specific tribes.

“Rep. Kesha Ram speaks out on Abenaki Recognition” (4/16/ 2010; http://vcnaa.com/native/content/view/1378/55/
The timing and nature of this pronouncement made Chief Doucet of Koasek, who had decided to not attend the 1:00 meeting in Montpelier, choose, at the last minute, to attend to argue against the complete reversal of the direct legislative recognition section of the S.222 bill. Her trip to Montpelier was a waste of time.
The Meeting

Operational prejudice against Chief Doucet and Mr. Stevens

The prejudicial way the Alliance (and to a lesser extent, Mr. Donald Stevens,) had been treated through the invitation process paled by comparison to the treatment they received at the meeting itself. The Alliance was represented by Chief Doucet. Mr. Don Stevens, who does not speak for the Alliance (but was sympathetic to it) also attended. Both people indicate that during the meeting, Representative Ram was quite rude to them, yet entirely deferential to Commissioner Judy Dow — a person who was had been one of the greatest opponents of the Alliance. A small portion of their highly detailed reports:

… it was very apparent that there is a strong friendship between Judy (Dow) and Kesha (Ram).

Chief Nancy Millette Doucet, 4/18/10

… when (Chief) Nancy (Doucet) tried to talk about the direct recognition of tribes being removed from the bill, Judy spoke up and said “I thought that subject was off the table and not to be discussed any further” to Kesha Ram. After this comment, Kesha (Ram) stated that if anyone is going to continue to bring direct recognition up they can leave now. ….(As Chief Doucet left) Kesha (Ram)… turned to Judy (Dow),smiled and said, “I guess she does not want to give input on the rest of the bill”. It became a meeting between Judy and Kesha, the rest of us basically could only listen.
Mr. Don Stevens, 4/25/10

In addition, nothing that Mr. Stevens or Chief Doucet said was allowed to go uncontested.

Kesha (Ram) … had a confrontation with me every time I tried to clarify things. She also continually looked at Judy (Dow) for clarification when talking about points in the Bill. I also stated for the record on several occasions that I disagreed with the content changes of the bill and the elimination of the tribes. I was told that it did not matter that I was stating because the meeting was not being recorded.
Mr. Don Stevens, 4/17/10

Kesha (Ram) constantly tried to shut me up every time I (Chief Doucet) tried to speak. …Actually, the only way I felt we (Chief Doucet and Mr. Stevens) got to talk; was to talk over people, be rude and interrupt…. Every time Judy (Dow) started her long list of … statements, Kesha (Ram) would take over (speak) next, to try to block Don’s comments…She (Rep. Ram) seldom looked at Don (Stevens) and never asked him anything. I truly felt I was on enemy ground.

Chief Nancy Millette Doucet, 4/18/10

It also became evident that the Alliance’s decision to not “engage” the opponents to their petitions had become an indictment.

Kesha (Ram) made a statement that they heard more from the opposition on this bill than supporters…. So much for not engaging…….
Mr. Don Stevens, 4/17/10

The reason for this non-engagement, to the Alliance’s mind, was due to 4/9/2009 and 4/11/2009 telephone conversations with Professor Fred Wiseman, and Mr. Don Stevens; Representative Kesha Ram had threatened that — if the Vermont Indigenous Alliance responded in kind to the opponents of the S.222 bill, — there would be no direct legislative recognition of the Alliance, and that Rep. Ram would make sure that recognition went to a committee that would decide recognition. Of course, direct legislative recognition was off the table only five days later. So in the end; the Alliance’s choice to abide by Rep. Ram’s warning meant nothing.

She (Representative Ram) kept saying the Alliance chose not to engage, meaning we were unwilling to work with her, rather than what we meant (not to attack those who had attacked the Alliance); so there was a feeling in the room that what we had to say now didn’t matter.

Chief Nancy Millette Doucet 4/18/10)

At the April 16th meeting Rep. Ram also called to question the scholarship that underlay the petitions that were formerly considered.
She (Representative Ram) also stated that she does not trust one source of data (the petitions) any longer.
Mr. Don Stevens, 4/17/10

Representative Ram had earlier told Professor Frederick Wiseman (in a phone call) that he should be more careful with his research, so perhaps this is the origin of her statement. Rep. Ram’s single stated example of error of fact concerned the attribution of certain baskets detailed in the St. Francis Sokoki Band petition. According to Ms. Ram’s statement to Prof. Wiseman, Mr. Larry Lapan, a Franklin County resident had said that the baskets in question were made by his family, and his family was part of the Maquam Band, so the basket attribution was incorrect. The facts of the matter, according to Chief Merrill of the St. Francis Sokoki band, refute this assertion, in that 1.) when Prof. Wiseman’s research was completed in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, for their Federal Recognition Petition, Mr. Lapan was a member in good standing of the St. Francis Sokoki Band, and 2.) that there remain scores of Lapan family members and descendents still in good standing on the St. Francis Sokoki Band, tribal rolls. Unfortunately other issues of similar sort stood between Professor Wiseman and Rep. Ram, so he was compelled to terminate communication with her.

Summary

There is little doubt that the April 16th meeting was traumatic for both Chief Doucet and Mr. Stevens. Mr. Stevens first reported his feelings on the night of the meeting…

… my head is killing me from the fight….
Mr. Don Stevens, 4/16/10

…while Chief Doucet took a more open, political approach the next day.

As Chief of the Koasek of the Koas from this time forward I refuse to discuss recognition or Bill S.222 with Kesha Ram.

Chief Nancy Doucet 4/17/10

The April 16th Meeting best encapsulates the post – 4/9/2010 relationship between the Alliance and the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs, one of looking to the Alliance’s opponents for information and approval, while ignoring or denigrating Alliance personnel or opinions. The fact that Mr. Don Stevens, who was not even there to represent the Alliance, was treated as he was, indicates the deep and abiding disdain that the Committee has for anyone who is even a member of one of the Alliance bands. Due to the prejudice that was manifest at the April 16th meeting, the Alliance has reluctantly had to terminate discussion with Rep. Ram, to communicate only through the lingering members of the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs who remain neutral or willing to talk with its chiefs and supporters.

Keep in mind, this is all told from Nancy’s perspective, which is always, always questionable when it comes to facts. Nancy forgot to mention that she walked out of the April 16th meeting screaming “this is bullshit!” Her account of the meeting being “traumatic” conveniently leaves out the fact that she tried to disrupt a state meeting.

Nancy’s claims of discrimination are unfounded because if the bill had gone through like she wished, it would have discriminated against folks not part of the alliance, hence the necessity of inviting people from other tribes to participate.

Why would Nancy turn around and support S.222? Was it the fact that the current commission, which the Alliance hates so much, would be disbanded? I think so.

2. Charles Delaney-Megeso, always quick to snap up an opportunity to throw salt in the face of other commission members, decides to show up for this photo-op. Nothing much to say here except that he’s already shown his bias against other tribes in this state (particularly, Odanak).

3. Luke Willard. Don’t get me started on Luke as much has been documented about his hateful,willy-nilly attitude towards the commission. The infamous “Mrs. Timmy and Mr.Judy” comment is still fresh in my mind. Luke is the true pathetic soul here.

4. Donald Stevens. No one has done more to trash the outgoing commission than Mr.Stevens, who was quick to run to the media to spread the “dysfunctional” meme when it was something HE did that led to his resignation (see the Mrs.Timmy and Mr.Judy comment courtesy of Luke?). His idea of dealing with problems? Complaining about how his head hurts.

I could go on and on but as much as I disagree with Hinda, the difference between her and these folks is that Hinda doesn’t try to pass herself off as being something she’s not. Much respect to Governor Douglas for his willingness to sign this bill.

You see kids, this whole battle is a lesson that shows that you shouldn’t go attacking a state commission when you have demons in your own closet. You shouldn’t try to push through a bill that gives YOU de-facto control over recognition when you can’t prove your own heritage. You shouldn’t cry, scream, jump, jive and wail when you can’t get your way, especially at the Statehouse of all places.

The war is far from over and Donny, if your head still hurts, then you might want to sit out future battles.

When these people didn’t get what they wanted, they disobeyed the wishes of a state representative and nearly tore apart a formal meeting. The way government works is that you can’t just waltz in and talk off-agenda when the agenda is already in place. You must abide by Roberts Rules or Consensus, not “This is Bullshit”, *arms flail all over the place*, Wahhhh, my head hurts!”". That’s not how a meeting works.

Alliance taking credit for S.222 passage?

They appear to be patting themselves on the backs here: Nulhegan Facebook

When in reality, their attempt at forcing through recognition failed in a massive way.  To see them congratulate their toadies in the Senate just underscores how much they are in denial. Let’s just say that the gloves are now OFF and the real battle has begun.

Regardless  of whoever is chosen for the new commission, their feet will be held firmly to the fire. They will be held accountable.

And Fred? Good luck passing  off your garden-variety “evidence” as criteria for recognition. You have some nerve and I look forward to seeing your “evidence” blown away like the wind when you try to re-submit it.

Con-artists eventually pay for their sins and it’s been a long time coming for the con-artists that call themselves the “Abenaki Alliance”. They do not represent ANYTHING that is Abenaki but instead, they represent their own selfish interests.

Victory!

Just in: The revised edition of S.222 has passed, which is good news for Native Americans  in the state of Vermont. However, as a condition of the passage of this bill, the current Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs will give way to a new, 9-member commission that will deal with applications for recognition and will then recommend recognition of qualified persons to the Legislature for approval.

Sometimes, you must make a sacrifice for the greater good. I am hoping that with the new commission and the criteria in place, that recognition can be dealt with in a fair and equitable way.

We must remember that once this new commission takes place, their work will not be easy and they will surely face obstacles like the current commission has. I wish them luck in navigating the criteria and evidence of qualified people for recognition.

I plan to continue this blog as a way of bringing about news related to the native communities in this state. I will also attend a few meetings of the new commission as an observer, should they be open to the public.

It is my hope that native people in Vermont can move forward and find the common ground that has eluded them for generations.

Thank you Kesha Ram, the House Military and General Affairs Committee and anyone else who saw the potential of this bill and worked on it so it would be fair.